A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jacksonville vs. Savannah for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Jacksonville or Savannah?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Savannah. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a fun, vibrant, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Savannah

Savannah is a beautiful, charming, and scenic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Jacksonville and Savannah: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Savannah?

You'll generally find more things to do in Jacksonville than Savannah. Jacksonville is bigger than Savannah, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Savannah is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Savannah is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Savannah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Savannah and Jacksonville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or Savannah?

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Savannah and Jacksonville.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Jacksonville. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Savannah offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

Is the Food Better in Jacksonville or Savannah? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Jacksonville and Savannah.

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Savannah makes for a great culinary experience. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

Is Jacksonville or Savannah Better for Nightlife?

Both Jacksonville and Savannah have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Jacksonville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

The people in Savannah know how to have a good time. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is Jacksonville or Savannah Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beache.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Many people head to Savannah to enjoy the beach. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Is Jacksonville or Savannah Better for its Old Town?

Savannah is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Savannah?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Jacksonville and Savannah.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Savannah is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

Is Jacksonville or Savannah Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Savannah are notable family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Savannah. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Is Jacksonville or Savannah Better for Couples?

Savannah is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Savannah makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Jacksonville or Savannah Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville and Savannah are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Savannah. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Is Jacksonville or Savannah Better for Students?

Both Jacksonville and Savannah are notable destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Savannah is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Is Jacksonville or Savannah Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jacksonville is a popular place for its public transit. However, Savannah is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Jacksonville has a few public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Public transit is mostly limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Is Jacksonville or Savannah a more walkable city?

Savannah is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Savannah is a very walkable destination. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Savannah Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Savannah or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Savannah?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jacksonville and Savannah. In our opinion, Savannah has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Savannah than Jacksonville. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Savannah.

Families should spend more time in Savannah than Jacksonville. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Savannah, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Savannah than Jacksonville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Savannah that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Jacksonville or Savannah?

The city of Jacksonville offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Savannah, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this scenic city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Savannah?

Jacksonville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jacksonville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Savannah is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Savannah?

Jacksonville is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Savannah. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Savannah?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Savannah is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Savannah, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. And not only is Savannah much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Savannah would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Savannah and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville than you might in Savannah.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Savannah Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Savannah?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Savannah. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Savannah, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Jacksonville or Savannah?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Savannah in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Savannah. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Savannah for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Savannah. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Savannah averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savannah. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Savannah. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Savannah receives 267 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Savannah. Jacksonville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in July than Savannah. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Savannah receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Savannah in the Autumn?

Both Savannah and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Savannah in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as Savannah. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Savannah fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Savannah. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Savannah during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Savannah receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Savannah. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Savannah receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Savannah in the Winter?

Both Savannah and Jacksonville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Savannah for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Savannah in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Savannah fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Savannah. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Savannah receives 176 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in January than Savannah. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Savannah receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Savannah in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Savannah. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Savannah because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Savannah. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Savannah averages at about 66°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Savannah this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Savannah during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Savannah receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Savannah. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Savannah receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Savannah and Jacksonville